Veteran Nigerian actress Joke Silva has announced the death of her husband and legendary Nollywood actor, Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs.

Silva announced his passing in a statement on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, describing the celebrated actor as “The Lion of Lufodo” and saying his life was “well lived and fought.”

The statement read: “It is with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and uncle. The Lion of Lufodo. Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs (MFR)

11/07/1942 – 16/09/2026.”

Silva also appealed to the media and online community to respect the family’s privacy as they mourn the veteran actor.

“We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our family’s privacy at this time,” she added.

Jacobs, who was born on July 11, 1942, was one of Nigeria’s most respected actors, with a career spanning stage, television and film. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before embarking on a career that included appearances in British television productions and international films.

He later became one of the defining figures of Nigeria’s film industry, appearing in numerous Nigerian productions and earning recognition for his commanding screen presence and versatility. His career spanned more than five decades, during which he received several major honours, including the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and Lifetime Achievement honours.

In 2011, Jacobs was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in recognition of his contribution to the Nigerian film industry.

Jacobs and Silva were married for decades and jointly established the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, contributing not only to film and television but also to developing and training performing artists in Nigeria.

In recent years, Jacobs had largely stayed away from the public spotlight. Silva had previously spoken publicly about his battle with dementia with Lewy bodies, while continuing to celebrate his milestones and protect his privacy.

His death comes after years in which false reports of his passing repeatedly circulated on social media. In 2024, for instance, Jacobs personally appeared in a video to dismiss one such rumour, while his family had also previously appealed to the public to disregard unverified reports concerning him.

With Silva’s latest announcement, the Nigerian entertainment industry is mourning the loss of one of its most enduring and influential acting figures.

Jacobs is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and other members of his family.